Strawberry French Toast Recipe – Breakfast Dessert Delight
Each sandwich hides a sweet cream cheese and berry filling to elevate your brunch.
Introduction
If you love the idea of dessert for breakfast, this strawberry French toast recipe is a dream come true. Inspired by The Pioneer Woman, it transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels indulgent, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make—a true crowd-pleaser for weekend brunches or special occasions. The magic is in the filling: a sweet, creamy strawberry cream cheese mixture sandwiched between thick slices of bread, soaked in a rich egg custard, and cooked to golden perfection.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe is a step above classic French toast because it features a strawberry cream cheese filling that echoes the flavors of strawberry cheesecake. The combination of tart, fresh strawberries and smooth, sweetened cream cheese is irresistible, making this French toast feel like a decadent treat without being overly complicated. It’s also a great way to use up slightly stale bread, as a firmer loaf absorbs the custard beautifully while holding its shape.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf of slightly stale brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into thick slices (about 12 slices); brioche is recommended for its buttery, soft texture
- Cream Cheese Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- Egg Custard: 6 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Toppings and Extras: Butter for frying; maple syrup and additional fresh strawberries for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread a generous amount of the strawberry cream cheese filling on one slice of bread.
- Top with another slice to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining bread and filling.
- Press the edges gently to seal.
3. Prepare the Egg Custard
- In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Soak the Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter.
- Dip each sandwich briefly into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10–15 seconds per side, ensuring the bread is saturated but not soggy.
5. Cook the French Toast
- Place the soaked sandwiches on the hot, buttered skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- If needed, work in batches and add more butter as required.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve the French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup, and topped with extra strawberries for a fresh finish. If you want to get creative, try serving with whipped cream or a dollop of strawberry jam on the side.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Bread Choice: Slightly stale bread works best, as it absorbs the custard without falling apart. Brioche is ideal for its richness, but challah or French bread are excellent alternatives.
- Don’t Over-Soak: Dip the sandwiches just long enough for the bread to soak up the custard—too much soaking can make them soggy.
- Cheese Filling: For a smoother texture, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the filling and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste, especially if your strawberries are very sweet.
- Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the sandwiches and prepare the filling the night before for an even quicker morning.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free sandwich bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. |
| Dairy-Free/Vegan | Substitute plant-based cream cheese and milk, and use egg substitutes for the custard. |
| Flavor Variations | Try blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries instead of strawberries. Or add a hint of citrus zest to the filling. |
| Special Occasions | Serve with champagne or mimosas for a festive brunch, or dust with edible glitter for a whimsical touch. |
What others are reading
Strawberry French Toast: Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
This French toast is perfect for serving to a crowd—whether it’s a lazy Sunday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or Mother’s Day. It’s visually appealing, with creamy pink filling peeking out between golden-brown slices, and the flavors appeal to kids and adults alike. The recipe yields enough for 6–8 generous servings, making it a smart choice for gatherings.
Nutritional Information
While this is certainly a treat, you can make lighter adjustments if desired. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings), not including syrup:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g (varies with bread and milk used)
French Toast: A Brief History
French toast, or pain perdu (“lost bread”), originated as a way to use up stale bread. Soaked in a sweetened egg mixture and fried, it became a beloved dish in many cultures. The addition of fillings and toppings, like this strawberry cream cheese, is a modern twist that elevates the humble breakfast staple into something extraordinary.
French Toast Ideas
If you love this recipe, consider experimenting with other French toast variations:
- Baked French Toast Casserole: Layer bread and custard in a baking dish, then bake for an easy, crowd-sized dish.
- Cinnamon Raisin: Use cinnamon-raisin bread for a spiced, fruity version.
- Crunchy French Toast: Coat the soaked bread with panko or cornflakes for extra crunch.
- Blueberry Baked French Toast: Incorporate blueberries and even pita chips for a surprising texture.
- French Toast with Berry Butter: Serve with a berry-infused compound butter for extra flavor.
- Air Fryer French Toast: Cook your toast in an air fryer for a crispier texture without extra oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make strawberry French toast ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the sandwiches and filling the night before, then dip and cook in the morning for a fresh, hot breakfast.
Q: What’s the best bread for French toast?
A: Brioche is ideal for its texture, but challah, French bread, or even croissants work well. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
Q: Can I freeze cooked French toast?
A: Yes. Freeze slices between parchment paper and reheat in a toaster or oven.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Frozen strawberries can be used, but drain excess liquid and pat dry before mixing into the filling.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Kids love the sweet, creamy filling and fun sandwiches. Adjust toppings to their liking.
Conclusion
Strawberry French toast with cream cheese filling is a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, bringing together the best of French toast and cheesecake in one delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and plenty of room for creativity, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet start to the day.
References
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